Automatic air duct register

ABSTRACT

An automatic air duct register system operating within an HVAC system comprises an automatically controlled register. The register includes louvers which are electromechanically adjusted in order to control the airflow through the register. The register may be opened or closed, responsive to a programmable electronic timer or clock, an occupancy sensor, or in response to a measured temperature. The register system may be part of a control network, wherein the network communicates programming information to the register system, and wherein the network reads information from the register system. The register system may be self-powered, utilizing an electrical generator powered from airflow from the duct attached to the register system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system comprising automaticallycontrolled air duct registers in a heating/ventilation/air conditioning(HVAC) system.

As is well known, buildings, including homes and businesses, aretypically equipped with a centrally-controlled HVAC system. A commontype of HVAC system is known as a forced-air system, and comprises acentral furnace (for heating) or air conditioning system (for cooling)to provide heated or cooled air, respectively, to a network of air ductsthroughout the building. The air ducts deliver the heated or cooled airto various rooms within the building through registers, which areaffixed to the terminus of the various ducts where they enter the rooms.

Often, HVAC systems are equipped with a single thermostat which controlsthe temperature in the building according to the thermostat'stemperature setting. The thermostat is installed in a central location,and turns on the furnace or air conditioning system when the temperatureat the thermostat falls below, or rises above, its temperature setting,indicating a need for heating or cooling, respectively.

HVAC systems with a single thermostat control are referred to assingle-zoned systems. It is commonly known that the drawback tosingle-zoned HVAC systems is that the temperature in various rooms awayfrom the thermostat can vary significantly from the thermostat'stemperature setting, since the temperature in these rooms does notinfluence the thermostat to affect the cycling of the furnace or airconditioning system. The degree of air flow from the register,individual doors being open or closed, exposure to open windows, andother environment factors determine the temperature in these rooms.Thus, while the thermostat maintains the temperature of the room inwhich it is installed, other rooms in the building may becomeuncomfortably hot or cold.

Further, some rooms in the building may not be occupied for certainperiods. In this case, it may be desirable to reduce the amount ofheating or cooling of these rooms during these periods in order to saveenergy costs. In single-zoned HVAC systems, adjusting the thermostat'stemperature setting can reduce the amount of heating or cooling, butaffects the temperature in the entire building rather than individualrooms. If fitted with louvers that can be opened and closedmechanically, such as with lever 110 shown in FIG. 1, individualregisters in the rooms may be manually closed off during unoccupiedperiods, but this is inconvenient, requiring the occupant to operate thelever manually at certain times.

Buildings can be equipped with HVAC systems with multiple zones.Buildings with multiple-zoned HVAC systems have multiple thermostats,each controlling the temperature in a portion (zone) of the building'srooms. Each thermostat may turn on or off the airflow through the subsetof ducts that service those rooms, utilizing electrically controlledin-line dampers, thus controlling heating or cooling of these areas. Thethermostats may work together to control the turning on and off of thecentral furnace or air conditioning system, such that any thermostatindicating a need for heating or cooling may turn on the central system.

The main drawback of multiple-zoned HVAC systems is cost. The materialcost of in-line dampers, power transformers used to power the dampers,control electronics, wiring, and additional thermostats can besubstantial. However, the installation cost may exceed the materialcost, especially if the zones are being added to an existing HVACsystem; in this case, ducts must be retrofitted inside crawlspaces,walls and ceilings, and wiring routed to a controller located near thefurnace or air conditioning unit. The installation work is typicallydone by a contractor specializing in HVAC work, resulting in highskilled labor costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed is an automatic air duct register system(“register system”) operating within an HVAC system, comprising anautomatically controlled register. The register includes louvers whichare electromechanically adjusted in order to control the airflow throughthe register.

In one embodiment, the register may be opened or closed, responsive toan electronic timer or clock included within the register system. Thetimer or clock may be programmed, so that the register is closed atcertain predetermined times. Thus, energy is saved, as the room iseffectively cut off from the HVAC system when the register is closed.The airflow from the central furnace or air conditioning system that hadbeen intended for this room may service other rooms within the buildingor home.

In another embodiment, the register may be opened or closed, responsiveto an occupancy sensor determining when the room serviced by theregister system is unoccupied. Thus, energy is saved, as the room iseffectively cut off from the HVAC system when the register is closed.The airflow from the central furnace or air conditioning system that hadbeen intended for this room may service other rooms within the buildingor home.

In another embodiment, the register system may include an infraredtemperature sensor, designed to accurately measure the temperature in aroom, the register's airflow controlled in accordance with thecomparison of a measured temperature and a desired temperature setpoint.Thus, the temperature of the room is locally controlled with theregister system, reducing temperature fluctuations and increasingcomfort.

In another embodiment, the register system is part of a control network,wherein the network communicates with the register system. The registersystem accepts commands to set the timer or clock, or set the desiredtemperature setpoint. The register system may send information about thetemperature measured in the room, or other information about theregister system. Thus, the register system may be operated remotely withnetwork control, obviating the need to program the register systemon-site, improving the convenience of the system.

In another embodiment, the register system is self-powered, utilizingpower generated from the flow of air through the register. The power maybe derived utilizing a turbine connected to an electric generator. Thepower may be stored in a large value, low voltage capacitor(supercapacitor) or rechargeable battery, thus eliminating the need toreplace batteries in the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior-art air duct register.

FIG. 2A illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention (top view).

FIG. 2B illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention (bottom view).

FIG. 2C illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2D illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention (top view).

FIG. 3B illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention (bottom view).

FIG. 4 illustrates an air duct register system according to one or moreembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The Figures (FIG.) and the following description relate to preferredembodiments of the present invention by way of illustration only. Itshould be noted that from the following discussion, alternativeembodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will bereadily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed withoutdeparting from the principles of the claimed invention.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the presentinvention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingfigures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may beused in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. Thefigures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles of the invention described herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates an air duct register system 201 according to oneembodiment of the invention, showing the top view. Register grille 210may be mounted flush against a wall or ceiling, and is attached to theend of an air duct which is part of a forced-air HVAC system. Registergrille 210 acts as an air diffuser as well as a mechanical base for airduct register system 201, and is designed to conform to the dimensionsof common industry-standard register grilles for ease of retrofitinstallations. Air duct register system 201 includes anelectromechanical means to automatically open and close louverscontained within air duct register system 201, thus controlling theairflow by allowing or impeding the flow of air through the registers(described later).

In one embodiment, the register may be opened and closed responsive toan electronic timer or clock included within the register system. Thetimer or clock may be programmed, so that the register is closed atcertain predetermined times, such as during times when the room isunoccupied. Thus, energy is saved, as the room is effectively cut offfrom the HVAC system when the register is closed.

Control knob 211, a 24-position, single-pole detent-type switch, inconjunction with pushbutton/indicator 212, a combination 4-color LEDassembly and SPST pushbutton switch, together may serve to set theclock, as well as the desired time periods during which the register isto remain closed. An operation to program the clock and these timeperiods may proceed as follows. The user presses pushbutton/indicator212 until pushbutton/indicator 212 flashes yellow. The user then turnscontrol knob 211 to the current hour of day (each detent position has acorresponding label 0-23, with 0 signifying midnight, 23 signifying 11PM, and the numbers in between signifying the hours between midnight and11 PM). Pressing pushbutton/indicator 212 again programs the hour of dayindicated by control knob 211, setting this hour of day value as thecurrent real-time-clock (RTC) value included in a microcontroller(described later). Next, the user presses pushbutton/indicator 212 againuntil pushbutton/indicator 212 flashes green. The user then turnscontrol knob 211 to the hour of day at which it is desired that theregister be opened. Pressing control knob 211 again programs this“register open” hour of day into air duct register system 201, writingthis value into the RAM included in the microcontroller. Finally, theuser presses pushbutton/indicator 212 again until pushbutton/indicator212 flashes red. The user then turns control knob 211 to the hour of dayat which it is desired that the register be closed. Pressingpushbutton/indicator 212 again programs this “register close” hour ofday indicated by control knob 211, writing this value into the RAMincluded in the microcontroller. Thus, the air duct register system isprogrammed to open and close at the “register open” and “register close”times. As described previously, energy is saved, as the room iseffectively cut off from the HVAC system when the register is closed,while saving the user from the inconvenience of manually opening andclosing the register.

While one example of setting the time periods during which the registeris to remain closed has been described, any number of alternativemethods may be used, including those utilizing knobs, buttons,indicators, and interfaces to a personal computer such as USB.

FIG. 2B further illustrates an air duct register system 201 according tothe current embodiment of the invention, by showing the bottom view.Louvers 222, 223, and 224 are ganged together using arm 221, and so maybe opened and closed together. When in the “open” position, the louverspermit air flow through the register, and when in the “closed” position,the louvers restrict air flow through the register. Gear-reduced motor220 rotates the fulcrum of louver 224, opening or closing theganged-together louvers depending on the rotational direction of themotor. Gear-reduced motor 220 may be a low cost DC motor suitable foroperation from low voltages, such as 3.6V from 3 primary AA batteries,combined with a gear reduction assembly which reduces the rotationalspeed of the gear-reduced motor shaft which rotates louver 224.

Battery assembly 226 comprises 3 primary AA batteries connected inseries and held with a plastic housing, and provides the source of powerair duct register system 201. Power provided from the AA batteries inbattery assembly 226 is routed to microcontroller 225. Microcontroller225 may include an 8 bit processor, embedded RAM, embedded ROM, generalpurpose input/output (GPIO) lines, real-time clock (RTC), and acollection of analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A)converters, integrated into a single IC. The ROM contained inmicrocontroller 225 includes basic programming code which, for example,enables the programming steps to set the timer (described previously).Microcontroller 225 also may control H-bridge MOSFET switch 227,utilizing its logic-level GPIO lines. H-bridge MOSFET switch 227provides power to gear-reduced motor 221 derived from the AA batteriesin battery assembly 226, via four switches in an H-bridge configuration.By setting the configuration of H-bridge MOSFET switch 227 using itslogic-level inputs, microcontroller 225 may cause power to be applied togear-reduced motor 220 in either a positive polarity, a negativepolarity, or neither polarity (in which case power is turned offentirely). Microcontroller 225 can therefore control the gear-reducedmotor 220 to rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or turn off, and thuscontrol the opening or closing the ganged-together louvers 222, 223 and224. The ROM contained in microcontroller 225 includes basic programmingcode which compares the programmed desired times against the current RTCvalue, and thus may close the louvers based on the programmed desiredtime periods during which the register is to remain closed, and opensthe louvers at all other times.

FIG. 2B may also be used to illustrate another embodiment of theinvention. IR sensor IC 228 is an infra-red detector IC, capable ofmeasuring the room temperature and providing the temperature reading tomicrocontroller 225 in a digital format. IR sensor IC 228 may be thedevice MLX90615 manufactured by Melexis Microelectronic Systems. The ROMcontained in microcontroller 225 includes basic programming code whichmay command the opening and closing of the louvers based on amathematical comparison of the temperature reading from IR sensor IC 228and a programmed desired temperature setpoint. The programming code mayadd hysteresis to the temperature comparison, to prevent excess cyclingof the control loop.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, control knob 211, in conjunction withpushbutton/indicator 212, a combination 4-color LED assembly and SPSTpushbutton switch, together may serve to set the desired temperaturesetpoint. An operation to program the temperature setpoint may proceedas follows. The user presses pushbutton/indicator 212 untilpushbutton/indicator 212 flashes blue. The user then turns control knob211 the desired temperature setpoint (each detent position has acorresponding label 60 to 80, signifying the desired temperature).Pressing pushbutton/indicator 212 again once programs the system to bein “heating” mode, while pressing the button twice programs the systemto be in “air conditioning” mode, and in both cases programs the desiredtemperature setpoint indicated by control knob 211, writing this valueinto the RAM included in a microcontroller (described previously). Thus,for an HVAC system that is programmed to “heating” mode, the air ductregister system 201 is programmed to open the register if thetemperature falls below the desired temperature setpoint, and to closethe register if the temperature rises above the desired temperaturesetpoint. For an HVAC system that is programmed to “air-conditioning”mode, the air duct register system 201 is programmed to close theregister if the temperature falls below the desired temperaturesetpoint, and to open the register if the temperature rises above thedesired temperature setpoint. Since the room is effectively cut off fromthe HVAC system when the register is closed, further heating or coolingof the room via the register is prevented, and thus the temperature ofthe room is locally controlled with the register system, reducingtemperature fluctuations and increasing comfort.

As described previously, air duct register system 201 is fitted with anIR sensor (for example IC 228) which measures the room temperature. IRsensor IC 228 itself may be fitted with a lens which, through a lensopening in register grille 210 (not shown), detects IR energy reflectedfrom a surface such as a wall. The wall may be at least 10 centimetersaway from register grille 210. This reflected IR energy represents thetemperature at this wall surface with reasonable accuracy. Since thetemperature of the wall is a good indication of the temperature of theroom, IR sensor IC 228 may in this manner measure the temperature of theroom. Advantageously, measuring the temperature some distance away fromthe register provides a more accurate measurement of room temperature,without interference from the airflow from the register or from thetemperature of the grille, as would be present in a simpler measurementor ambient temperature (for example, using a thermistor). Thus, areflected IR temperature measurement as described improves the accuracyof the measurement of the room temperature.

While the aforementioned embodiments describe a timer and temperaturecontrol of the register, a combination of these techniques may beapplied to enable a system which provides both timer and temperaturecontrol to air duct register system 201. For example, referring back toFIG. 2A, control knob 211 may function to help program both the timerand the temperature control. Each detent position on control knob 211may be provided with two corresponding labels: (a) a label for settingthe desired time periods (each detent period has a corresponding label0-23, with 0 signifying midnight, 23 signifying 11 PM, and the numbersin between signifying the hours between midnight and 11 PM during whichthe register is to remain closed), and (b) a label for the setting oftemperature (each detent position has a corresponding label 60 to 80,signifying the desired temperature). Thus, the programming steps in theaforementioned embodiments may be used together to program both timerand temperature control to air duct register system 201. Thus, theregister duct may be opened and closed in accordance with the comparisonof a measured temperature and the programmed temperature setpoint,reducing temperature fluctuations and increasing comfort. Further, theregister may be closed at certain predetermined times in accordance withthe programmed time periods, saving energy, as the room is effectivelycut off from the HVAC system when the register is closed.

FIG. 2B may also be used to illustrate another embodiment of theinvention. As described earlier, IR sensor (for example IC 228) may befitted with a lens opening in register grille 210 (not shown), whichdetects IR energy. The IR sensor and lens may be positioned to measureIR energy across a large portion of the room. With this arrangement, ameasured change in IR energy can be detected when the room is occupied,since a person emits substantial IR energy due to natural body heat.Thus, the measurement of a change of IR energy in the room can be usedto detect room occupancy. The ROM contained in microcontroller 225includes basic programming code which may command the opening andclosing of the louvers based on a mathematical change in reading from IRsensor IC 228. When a decrease in IR energy is detected, the room isconsidered unoccupied, and the register duct may be closed. Energy issaved, as the room is effectively cut off from the HVAC system when theregister is closed. The airflow from the central furnace or airconditioning system that had been intended for this room may serviceother rooms within the building or home.

While one example of occupancy detection is described, any other methodmay be used to command the opening and closing of the louvers in theregister.

Air duct register system 201 may additionally be equipped with a meansof determining the temperature of the air within the duct feeding theregister of air duct register system 201 (duct temperature). Since thetemperature of register grille 210 generally cools or warms to the ducttemperature, and since microcontroller 225 is located in the directvicinity of register grille 210, the temperature of microcontroller 225is a reasonable approximation to the duct temperature. A diode-basedtemperature detector may be integrated within microcontroller 225 toeffectively measure temperature of microcontroller 225, and consequentlythe duct temperature. A diode integrated into microcontroller 225 (notshown) may be biased with a fixed current, and the voltage drop acrossthe diode may be converted to digital form periodically by the ADCintegrated with microcontroller 225. A program contained within the ROMof microcontroller 225 may periodically compare the digitized diodevoltage drop to a table of values which correlate the diode drop voltageto temperature. In this way, the temperature of microcontroller 225 canbe measured, and thus a reasonable estimate of the duct temperature canbe determined.

The measurement of duct temperature affords three further refinements tothe described invention. First, the duct temperature (when the furnaceor air-conditioning system is on) indicates whether the HVAC system isoperating in “heating” or “cooling” mode. The ROM contained inmicrocontroller 225 may include basic programming code to determine ifthe duct temperature rises substantially higher than the ambienttemperature (indicating the HVAC system is operating in “heating” mode),or if the duct temperature drops substantially lower than the ambienttemperature (indicating the HVAC system is operating in “cooling” mode).Earlier, a method describing a programming sequence involvingpushbutton/indicator 212 was used to program the system to switchbetween “heating” or “cooling” modes. Thus, the measurement of ducttemperature removes the need for this programming step, and removes theneed to reprogram the registers at seasonal changes when the HVAC systemchanges its mode of operation.

Second, a rapidly rising (in “heating” mode) or falling (in “cooling”mode) duct temperature indicates that the air duct is experiencing acommenced air flow from the HVAC system. On the other hand, a rapidlyfalling (in “heating” mode) or rising (in “cooling” mode) ducttemperature indicates that the air duct is experiencing a turning off ofair flow from the HVAC system. The ROM contained in microcontroller 225may include basic programming code to periodically record the ducttemperature and calculate the rate of change of the duct temperature andmake this determination. Air duct register system 201 may inhibit theopening or closing of the register unless it is determined that theregister is experiencing air flow from the HVAC system. Thus,advantageously, the battery life of air duct register system 201 may beextended, because fewer cycles of opening and closing of the registerresults, reducing the frequency of operation of gear-reduced motor 220.

While one example of the measurement of the duct temperature isdescribed, any other method may be used to determine the ducttemperature.

FIG. 2C illustrates an air duct register system 201 according to anotherembodiment of the invention, illustrating the use of a tetheredtemperature sensor 240, capable of measuring the room temperature andproviding the temperature reading to microcontroller 225 in a digitalformat. Tethered temperature sensor 240 may be the device DS18S20manufactured by Maxim Integrated Products. In this embodiment, tetheredtemperature sensor 240 essentially replaces IR sensor IC 228. Allfunction and programming are otherwise identical to the system describedwhen utilizing IR sensor IC 228. Tethered temperature sensor 240essentially replaces IR sensor IC 228. All function and programming areotherwise identical to the system described when utilizing IR sensor IC228. Tethered temperature sensor 240 has advantage of lower costcompared with IR sensor IC 228. However, tethered temperature sensor 240has a disadvantage that a wire connecting it to the air duct registersystem 201 is required.

FIG. 2D illustrates an air duct register system 201 according to twomore embodiments of the invention, illustrating the use of wirelesstemperature thermometer/thermostat 250, capable of measuring the roomtemperature and optionally providing temperature control to air ductregister system 201. Wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250 maycomprise a radio conforming to the Zigbee radio protocol, communicatingwith corresponding Zigbee radio module 251.

In one embodiment, wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250provides the temperature reading across a wireless link to radio module251. Radio module 251 may then communicate the temperature reading tomicrocontroller 225 in a digital format. In this embodiment, wirelesstemperature thermometer/thermostat 250 essentially replaces tetheredtemperature sensor 240 described earlier. All function and programmingare otherwise identical to the system described when utilizing tetheredtemperature sensor 240. Wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250may be thermostat manufactured by ecobee, Inc. which communicates withradio module 251. Wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250 hasthe advantage of removing the need for a wired connection to air ductregister system 201, providing further freedom to place wirelesstemperature thermometer/thermostat 250 at a convenient location withinthe room. However, wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250 has adisadvantage of higher cost.

In another embodiment, wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250controls the opening and closing of the register across a 2.4 GHzwireless link to radio module 251. Radio module 251 may then communicatethe register opening and closing commands to microcontroller 225 in adigital format. In this embodiment, wireless temperaturethermometer/thermostat 250 essentially provides the function of acomplete thermostat function, allowing the user to program wirelesstemperature thermometer/thermostat 250 to set the desired temperature.Wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250 may be a commerciallyavailable wireless thermostat communicating via the Zigbee wirelessprotocol, operating in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band, such as ecobee'ssmart thermostat. Radio module 251 may be the radio module associatedwith the wireless thermostat, also communicating with the Zigbeewireless protocol. In this embodiment, wireless temperaturethermometer/thermostat 250 has the advantage of removing the need for awired connection to air duct register system 201, and further forallowing simple remote control and programming without the user needingto access the controls on air duct register system 201 such as controlknob 211 and pushbutton/indicator 212. However, in this embodimentwireless temperature thermometer/thermostat 250 has a disadvantage ofstill higher cost.

FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of the invention. Air ductregister system 201 includes turbine/electrical generator 310, which ismechanically attached to register 210. The airflow through register 210spins turbine/electrical generator 310 and generates power,advantageously allowing air duct register system 201 to operate withoutbatteries and without the need for the user to replace such batteries.

FIG. 3B illustrates a more detailed view (bottom). Turbine/electricalgenerator 310 may be mechanically attached to register duct at asufficient spacing so as to allow free movement of louvers 222, 223 and224. Turbine/electrical generator 310 may be a modified or unmodifiedfan of a type typically utilized to cool electrical circuitry in acomputer, such as Link Depot's model FAN-80-BK. The fan may be modifiedsuch that the electrical phasing circuitry, designed to synchronouslyenergize the stator coils, is disconnected or bypassed, and current isgenerated from the coils is utilized directly. Specifically, the coilcurrent generated by the rotation of the fan blades driven by the ductairflow is directly fed into diodes, which rectify the AC current andfeed energy storage capacitor 311 either directly or through additionalelectronic conditioning circuitry to accurately control voltage. Energystorage capacitor 311 may be a supercapacitor type PB-5R0H474-Rmanufactured by Cooper Bussman. A small secondary battery may replacestorage capacitor 311. Thus, power generated from turbine/electricalgenerator 310 is stored in storage capacitor 311 which may be used topower the circuitry in air duct register system 201 previouslydescribed, as well as to power gear-reduced motor 221 used to open andclose the register.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, where the airduct register system 201 is connected to a wireless control network.Wireless node/router 411, wireless temperature thermometer/thermostat250, and computer 410 may be components of the wireless control network.Computer 410 may contain executable software which is designed to set upthe programming of one or more addressable air duct register systemssuch as air duct register system 201, and is capable of communicatingwith a common WiFi protocol. Programming in this context means theprogramming of functions of air duct register system 201 as describedpreviously, such as setting the desired temperature setpoint and settingof the time periods during which the register is to remain closed. Thefunction performed by Computer 410 may also be performed by a wirelesshandheld device such as an iPhone 3GS manufactured by Apple Computer,Inc. connected via a cellphone network or a common WiFi protocol.Wireless node/router 411 may format and route programming signals fromcomputer 410 to one or more addressed air duct register systems, bybuffering and forwarding these signals on a radio system compatible withthe radio module 251 installed in air duct register system 201.

The wireless network may provide bidirectional communication with airduct register systems such as air duct register system 201. For example,air duct register system 201 may provide measured temperature data,battery conditions, duct “open” or “closed” status, or other informationlocally measured by the air duct register system. This information maybe obtained when wireless node/router 411 queries air duct registersystem 201, based upon a request for this information from computer 410.

Thus, the register system may be operated remotely with network control,obviating the need to program the register system on-site, improving theconvenience of the system.

1. An automatically adjusted air duct register system, capable ofadjusting the airflow through a register in an HVAC (heating,ventilation, and air-conditioning) system, the register opened andclosed responsive to an electronic timer or clock.
 2. An automaticallyadjusted air duct register system, capable of adjusting the airflowthrough a register in an HVAC system, the register opened and closedresponsive to an occupancy sensor; the occupancy sensor determiningwhether a room is occupied.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theregister is additionally opened and closed responsive to an electronicsignal indicative of room temperature.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe register is inhibited from being opened or closed, unless anindicator indicates that the air duct connected to the register hasairflow.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the register is inhibitedfrom being opened or closed, unless an indicator indicates that the airduct connected to the register has airflow.
 6. The system of claim 4,wherein the indicator that detects the airflow comprises a temperaturesensor which measures the temperature within the air duct connected tothe register, and indicates a change in temperature within the said airduct.
 7. The system of claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor utilizesa wire-tethered temperature sensor.
 8. The system of claim 3, whereinthe temperature sensor utilizes a wireless temperature sensor.
 9. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor utilizes a wirelesstemperature sensor.
 10. The system of claim 3, wherein the temperaturesensor utilizes an infrared sensor.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherethe temperature sensor measures a temperature at least ten centimetersaway from the duct.
 12. The system of claim 5, wherein the temperaturesensor utilizes an infrared sensor.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherethe temperature sensor measures a temperature at least ten centimetersaway from the duct.
 14. An automatically adjusted air duct registersystem, capable of adjusting the airflow through a register in an HVACsystem, where the power to adjust the register is derived from the flowof air through the register.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein powerto adjust register is specifically derived from electric generatorplaced in the path of the register airflow.
 16. The system of claim 14,the register opened and closed responsive to an electronic timer orclock.
 17. The system of claim 14, the register opened and closedresponsive to an electronic signal indicative of room temperature. 18.The system of claim 16, wherein the register is additionally opened andclosed responsive to an electronic signal indicative of roomtemperature.
 19. An automatically adjusted air duct register system,capable of adjusting the airflow through a register in an HVAC system,the register opened and closed responsive to the room temperature, theroom temperature indicated by infrared sensor.
 20. The system of claim19, where the infrared sensor measures temperature at least 10centimeters away from the duct's air flow.
 21. The system of claim 19,wherein the register is inhibited from being opened or closed, unless anindicator indicates that the air duct connected to the register hasairflow.
 22. The system of claim 1, where a wireless network systemincludes a node which permits a remote adjustment of the timer or clock.23. The system of claim 3, where a wireless network system includes anode which permits a remote adjustment of at least one of the timer orclock, or the temperature setting.
 24. The system of claim 19, where awireless network system includes a node which permits a remoteadjustment of the temperature setting.
 25. The system of claim 19, wherea wireless network system includes a node which permits a reading of theindicated room temperature.